Nick Harwell likely to be big hit for Kansas football, based on performances of other recent transfers from four-year schools

All five were highly rated out of high school and for various reasons were not able to either earn or keep starting assignments at their original colleges.

Based on those five transfers’ performances for Kansas under Charlie Weis, expect big things from Miami (Ohio) transfer wide receiver Nick Harwell. Why? Because the others performed at a similar level at Kansas as they had at their first schools.

The lesson to be learned: It’s generally not the school, the coach, or the system that keeps a player from excelling. It’s how his ability translates to college competition and the degree to which his body holds up. Obviously, how they do against college competition is a far greater predictor of success than how highly they were ranked in high school.

In three seasons at Miami, Harwell averaged 76.3 receptions, 1,055.3 yards and 7.6 touchdowns. In 11 games as a sophomore, Harwell caught 97 passes for 1,425 yards and nine touchdowns. In a five-game stretch that ended with the 2012 season-opener, he caught 55 passes for 867 yards and eight touchdowns.

No need to worry whether he can handle Big 12 competition. Harwell played two games against Big 10 schools. His combined totals vs. Minnesota and Ohio State: 20 receptions, 282 yards, one TD.

Harwell was suspended by Miami last April after he was arrested. He ultimately pled guilty to attempted theft, a second-degree misdemeanor. He is eligible to play in 2014.